Any SUV recommendations after a 4Runner?

[Scarpozzi]

I'm pretty big and we have a few 10+ year old kids that are going to be pretty big too. I had a 2011 4Runner that got totaled back in October.

I've been driving my 45k mile 2009 F150 regular cab, but need something with more than 3 seats. We also have a Honda Odyssey, so we can get by...I'm just loosely shopping. My wife may change jobs and get a Traverse as a work vehicle in a few weeks. We're waiting to see what happens.

After the 4Runner was totaled, I rented a 2023 Nissan Armada and enjoyed the 400hp and solid performance. I drove it 1700 miles in 3 weeks, so I had some time in the seat. It had decent tech, decently comfortable seats, and got 18mpg on the interstate...about like my 4Runner. The other thing I like about the Armada is that it depreciates pretty fast. I've seen 1-2 year old models with 35-45k miles @ $32-35k...about $20k off the price of a new one. I have a 4 mile commute so I only drive about 10 miles a day. I can stand to buy a higher mileage vehicle and let my driving habits play catch-up over the years to normalize the mileage.

What other models should I look at? I've considered getting a Toyota Tundra or Sequoia...the Armada, QX80. My biggest issue with getting a crew cab truck is that I feel as though the smaller 5.5' bed that's common won't do me much good. I always am hauling things that are 6-8' long. I almost wonder if I would be better off custom ordering a 6.5' bed super crew F150, but not sure I want to. I may just get the SUV and keep using my 2009 as a work truck.

 

[Muadib]

Have you test drove the 2025 4Runner yet? I could be jumping the gun, as I don't know if dealers have them in yet.

 

[deadlyapp]

I have a crew cab truck and have never felt limited by the bed length. I either put down the tailgate and strap it well, or I let it sit on the tailgate. I also have a hard aluminum bed cover and for some smaller and longer items I can put a little blocking on the bed cover and thread it through the rear window and put a couple of straps to hold it all down.

I only really get nervous when I try to do 10' or longer items, but I'd probably feel that way even with a 6.5' bed.

 

[96Firebird]

I have a 6.5' bed and sometimes I wish I had longer. I couldn't imagine hauling my 10' kayak or 10'-12' 2x whatevers with a foot less on bed length. Also, I can fit 3x bikes. But to each their own, I also don't have any kids, so a double cab works for me. If I'm with friends, they don't like riding in the back so we take someone else's car, win-win.

My fiance wants to look at the new 4Runners, but we might wait another year or 2 until her Escape becomes troublesome.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

The Old Trooper Man is still counting his money and watching the stock market.